In a move that has sparked heightened concerns, China has commenced military exercises surrounding Taiwan, including the islands of Kinmen and Dongyin, just days after William Lai took office as Taiwan’s new president. According to state media reports, the Chinese military has initiated drills across various locations, encompassing the main island of Taiwan, the Taiwan Strait, and the Taipei-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin.
Li Xi, a spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, has described the drills as a “strong punishment” for what China perceives as “separatist acts” by Taiwan. These actions come amidst escalating tensions between Beijing and Taipei, with Taiwan’s defence ministry condemning China’s manoeuvres as “irrational provocations.”Responding to China’s military activities, Taiwan has deployed naval, air, and ground forces to safeguard its sovereignty, stating its commitment to defend against any external threats.
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China, for its part, has justified the drills as exercises focusing on joint sea-air combat-readiness patrols, precision strikes on strategic targets, and integrated operations to test the combat capabilities of its forces.
The relationship between China and Taiwan has long been fraught, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, while Taiwan asserts its self-governance. President Lai’s inauguration address, in which he called on China to cease its threats against Taiwan, has further escalated tensions between the two sides.
Analysts suggest that China’s recent military activities, while stopping short of an outright invasion, reflect a strategy of “grey zone warfare,” aimed at gradually undermining Taiwan’s defenses and asserting Chinese dominance in the region.
Taiwan, in response, has criticized China’s militaristic approach, stating that such actions not only fail to contribute to peace and stability but also underscore China’s aggressive mindset.
As tensions continue to simmer, the international community remains watchful of developments in the Taiwan Strait, mindful of the potential implications for regional stability.
